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HIGHLIGHTS

This 14 day 4WD adventure takes on the popular Kimberley trail from Broome to Darwin exploring the highlights of the Kimberley and Katherine en route. Start the adventure immersed in Kimberley gorge country: trekking to gorges, encountering wildlife and swimming in waterfalls. Journey up the Gibb River Road and discover the Mitchell Plateau and El Questro Wilderness Park before deviating south to remote Purnululu National Park to explore the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles. Two nights in Kununurra allows time to take a cruise on the Ord River to Lake Argyle before we continue east into the Northern Territory. Spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge is a fabulous way to end the trip before arriving in Darwin.

1 May 2016, 15 May 2016, 4 June 2016, 18 June 2016, 10 July 2016, 24 July 2016, 14 August 2016 & 28 August 2016

Departs May-Sep Darwin-Broome

18 May 2016, 31 May 2016, 21 June 2016, 5 July 2016, 27 July 2016, 10 August 2016, 31 August 2016 &
14 September 2016

Meals

13 x Breakfasts, 14 x Lunches, 10 x Dinners

Luggage

Max 15kg in Soft Bag/Backpack & Day Bag (No Suitcases)

Validity

1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016

Camping involves tents (single/twinshare), swags with sheets & pillows with pillow cases. Camp stretcher beds are available for hire $100pp. Camp sites are in designated National Park areas or private grounds with ablution facilities including toilets and, usually, hot showers.A sleeping bag (note: 10ºC sleeping bags are available for sale at $25pp) must be requested prior to travel and can be kept following your trip or donated to local indigenous communities.

The Bungle Bungles Safari Camp is a Kimberley Wild private camp, consisting of permanent safari tents with twin beds and share ablution facilities including toilets and, usually, hot showers. Note that single travellers MAY have to twin share with another traveller of the same gender — this is a rare occurrence.

Darwin-Broome itinerary (see below for reverse)

Day 1 Nitmiluk Gorge & Katherine

Departing Darwin at approximately 7am we travel south to the natural spring of Edith Falls. After a break and a refreshing dip, we head for the remote outback town of Katherine, home to the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge. This inspiring natural wonder comprises 13 different gorges, carved over a millennia by the Katherine River. On an afternoon Nitnit Dreaming Cultural Cruise, we explore two of these gorges and discover the customs of the traditional land owners, the Jawoyn people. (LD)

Days 2-3 Kununurra

We continue west along the Victoria Highway and cross the border into Western Australia as we travel to the heart of the east Kimberley – Kununurra. Join Triple J Tours on their Lake Argyle and Ord River Cruise: take a bus out to Lake Argyle, a vast man-made lake and thriving new eco-system. Enjoy a ground tour of the area including a visit to the historic Durack Homestead and a scenic lookout, before boarding a boat for a relaxing cruise along the Ord River back to Kununurra. (BLD/BL)

Days 4-5 Bungle Bungles

Head south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights here allows a full day to explore the highlights of this extraordinary National Park, the most famous of which, are the Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980’s; once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. We explore Echidna Chasm (2km), known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. There is time in the afternoon to take an optional scenic flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approx $350pp, own expense) to put it all into perspective. (BLD/BLD)

Days 6-7 El Questro Wilderness Park

Two nights here allows free time join one or more of the many activities on offer. This could include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs, a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, a bush tucker walk or a bird watching tour. Or simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure. (BLD/BL)

Day 8 Drysdale Station

Drysdale River Station is an oasis in the outback. This million acre, family owned and operated cattle station, runs approximately 10,000 head of cattle and lies in the North Kimberley on the Gibb River Road. Hanging out in the true blue Australian outback means you have all the magical scenery and feeling of isolation you could ask for. On arrival you may wish to explore the nearby surroundings or sit back and enjoy a cold drink in the beer garden, warm yourself around the log fire in the cool night air. (BL)

Days 9-10 Mitchell Plateau

Our two day diversion to the majestic Mitchell Plateau is a highlight of the trip. Enter real 4WD country as we travel the rugged Kalumburu Road then turn off onto the Mitchell Plateau Track. After crossing rivers and passing through ancient Livistonia palm forests, we emerge from the savannah and onto the Mitchell Plateau. With two nights camping in the National Park, we trek to Little and Big Merten Falls, take a dip in pristine plunge pools and view Bradshaw rock art. There is an optional helicopter flight for a bird’s eye view of this extraordinary landscape. (BLD/BLD)

Day 11 Mt Elizabeth Station

Descending from the plateau we travel to the family owned Mt Elizabeth Station Homestead, where you will be able to enjoy the scenery and see what Kimberley cattle station life is really like. Surrounded by water spots, rocky rises and grasslands, you will be sure to take a great photo, enjoy bush walks and settle in for a lovely evening in the Kimberley outback. (BLD)

Day 12 Silent Grove

Discover lily-laden Galvans Gorge, and the tranquil retreat of Adcock Gorge, pausing for a refreshing swim on our way to Silent Grove. The afternoon is devoted to exploring Bell Gorge, a hidden highlight of the West Kimberley. This idyllic retreat, considered amongst the most beautiful in the area, boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal clear pools formed over millions of years – an easy place to while away a few hours! (BLD)

Day 13 Windjana Gorge

Once a Devonian reef, these mountains are over 350 million years old and home to a diverse array of animals and plants. The perfect place to experience the stunning natural beauty of an outback oasis is the 3.5km geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls rising 90m, we search for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and Indigenous bush tucker before setting up camp. (BLD)

Day 14 Tunnel Creek & Broome

The morning is spent exploring Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, in which we discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. It is here we also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. A refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole is a highlight of the day. After lunch, we return to the Gibb River Road and visit the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’ before completing our journey to Broome. (BL)

Broome-Darwin itinerary

Day 1 Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek

Departing Broome at 7:00am, travel through the remote and beautiful landscape, as the guide shares stories of local history, people and the environment. Enjoy a morning tea break by the Fitzroy River and visit the Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’. Before long we hit the Gibb River Road, and travel towards the Napier Range. Once a Devonian reef, these mountains are over 350 million years old and home to a diverse array of animals and plants. The perfect place to experience the stunning natural beauty of an outback oasis is the 3.5km geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls rising 90m, we search for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and Indigenous bush tucker. After a picnic lunch, the afternoon is spent exploring Tunnel Creek with our local indigenous Bunuba guide, who will share ancient rock art and reveal the legend of his ancestor, Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. In this 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, we also discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. A refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole is a highlight of the day. Return to Windjana Gorge that evening to camp. (LD)

Day 2 Silent Grove

The day is devoted to exploring Bell Gorge, a hidden highlight of the West Kimberley. This idyllic retreat, considered amongst the most beautiful in the area, boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal clear pools formed over millions of years – an easy place to while away a few hours! (BLD)

Day 3 Galvans Gorge & Mt Elizabeth

En route to the Mt Elizabeth Station Homestead, discover lily-laden Galvans Gorge, and the tranquil retreat of Adcock Gorge, pausing for a refreshing swim. Once arriving at Mt Elizabeth homestead, which has been family operated since 1945 and in recent years has established tourism facilities for all to experience, you will be able to take in the natural beauty and isolation of the property. With creeks, gorges and diverse vegetation, you will be sure to enjoy the view and spend the day well relaxed. (BLD)

Days 4-5 The Mitchell Plateau

Our two day diversion to the majestic Mitchell Plateau is a highlight of the trip. Take on real 4WD country as we travel the rugged Kalumburu Road then turn off onto the Mitchell Plateau Track. After crossing rivers and passing through ancient Livistonia palm forests, we emerge from the savannah and onto the Mitchell Plateau. With two nights camping in the National Park, we trek to Little and Big Merten Falls, take a dip in pristine plunge pools and view Bradshaw rock art. There is an optional helicopter flight for a bird’s eye view of this extraordinary landscape. (BLD/BLD)

Day 6 Drysdale Station

Drysdale River Station is an oasis in the outback. This million acre, family owned and operated cattle station, runs approximately 10,000 head of cattle and lies in the North Kimberley on the Gibb River Road. Hanging out in the true blue Australian outback means you have all the magical scenery and feeling of isolation you could ask for. On arrival you may wish to explore the nearby surroundings or sit back and enjoy a cold drink in the beer garden, warm yourself around the log fire in the cool night air. (BL)

Days 7-8 El Questro Wilderness Park

We continue our journey up the Gibb River Road to the iconic El Questro Wilderness Park. Two nights here allows join one or more of the many activities on offer. This could include a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs, a trek into El Questro Gorge, Emma Gorge or a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge (own expense). Or simply explore this beautiful wilderness park at your own leisure. (BLD/BL)

Days 9-10 Purnululu National Park: Bungle Bungles

Head south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungles. Two nights here allows a full day to explore the highlights of this extraordinary National Park, the most famous of which, are the Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980’s; once discovered by others, the area was made a national park in 1987. We explore Echidna Chasm (2km), known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees, and take a short walk (2-3km) into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. There is time in the afternoon to take an optional scenic flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approx $350pp, own expense) to put it all into perspective. (BLD/BLD)

Days 11-12 Kununurra

Return north, to the heart of the east Kimberley: Kununurra. After a free morning we join Triple J Tours on their Lake Argyle and Ord River Cruise: take a bus out to Lake Argyle, a vast man-made lake and thriving new eco-system. Enjoy a ground tour of the area including a visit to the historic Durack Homestead and a scenic lookout, before boarding a boat for a relaxing cruise along the Ord River back to Kununurra. The evening is free to discover Kununurra at your leisure (BLD/BL)

Day 13 Katherine

Continue east along the Victoria Highway and cross the border into the Northern Territory as we travel to the outback town of Katherine, home to the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge. (BLD)

Day 14 Nitmiluk Gorge & Darwin

A morning cruise through Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge is a great start to our last day. Nitmiluk Gorge is an inspiring natural wonder comprising 13 different gorges, carved over a millennia by the Katherine River. On the Nitnit Dreaming Cultural Cruise, we explore two of these gorges, and discover the customs of the traditional land owners, the Jawoyn people. After the cruise, enjoy a dip in Edith Falls then travel into Darwin, arriving at approximately 6.00pm. (BL)